Droopy Tropical Hibiscus Tree :(

gardenlady48(z5 IL)October 13, 2012

Can anyone tell me what to do here: this tree form hibiscus was planted in the ground, live in Illinois so had to pot it up and bring inside. Been droopy from day one. Not sure what to do. Should I just leave it alone...OR prune back all the limbs in hopes that it will generate new sprouts and perform beautiful next spring.

Looks like you've damaged the root system to the point it can't support the plant. About the only thing you can do is to prune it now and hope the rest recovers. It's very easily grown from cuttings, so you could try that with the off cuts. Just put them some rooting powder and then in sand and keep moist in a warm place. I've often done it with cuttings and get a reasonable success rate.

gardenlady,
When you dug it up out of the ground,did you wash the roots off real good before potting it up in POTTING soil?
You changed mediums right? You didn't put it in potting soil with the ground soil still on the roots?
It doesnt' look too good, I would cut the branches off and root them in potting soil, as has been suggested.

tropical hibiscus do have extensive root system so damaging the roots prior to transplanting is to be expected. though they are very easy to transplant if the weather permits, and if you can provide an artificial source of warmth.
i'm afraid that the only thing you can do is salvage the plant and make cuttings off it before it's too late.
cheer up and don't give up! :)

Hi! I live in illinios as well, that looks like the same one I got from Pesche awhile back!, I too brought mine inside. in the beginning it dropped a couple leaves that turned yellow, however it still looks green to me. This could be a water issue, that hibiscus looks very dry also it could be sunlight too. I would suggest taking a couple cuttings--with wood and try to get those going, also inspect the condition of the the inside of the plant, this will tell you alot if its alive or healthy. Cant wait to here from you!